Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian club’s manager, is understood to be lining up a £35 million bid for the Togo international striker having failed with a £32 million offer last summer.

Adebayor has missed Arsenal’s last 10 matches with a hamstring injury and now looks to be putting his future with the club on the line having agreed to participate for Togo in their World cup qualifying match against Cameroon this weekend.

With his international coach Jean Thissen insisting he will feature in the game, the 25-year-old has become embroiled in a club versus country row, and not for the first time.

Arsene Wenger, who is apprehensive about releasing his players if they are not 100 per cent fit, was furious when Adebayor injured his knee during an international friendly last November, and will no doubt have been left reeling by Thissen's decision.

Overlooking Adebayor's questionable fitness levels, Thissen told the Times: "Ade did not come here for nothing, he is here to play against Cameroon. He is the main man for the national team. He is my captain and the nation can count on him."

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Meanwhile at Arsenal, Adebayor is not the only player being linked with a move to the San Siro. On top of the aforementioned £35 million bid, Ancelotti is said to be preparing a £15 million move for French defender Gael Clichy.

Complimented by their interest, Clichy said: "I am very happy at Arsenal. It is true that AC Milan are a great club. It is flattering to know you are followed by such a team.”